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DeKalb County, GA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Unincorporated DeKalb County only
Bans
Open storage of debris, inoperable vehicles
Trigger
County notice starts removal duty
Penalty
Fine/imprisonment, separate offense per day

Summary

DeKalb County bars open storage of inoperable vehicles, appliances, glass, or building trash on unincorporated property, and requires owners to remove abandoned weeds, dead trees, trash, and garbage once the county gives notice.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for the owner, operator or occupant of a dwelling, rooming house, building or structure to use the premises of such property for the open storage of any inoperable vehicle, household appliance, glass, building material, building trash or similar item. It shall be the duty and the responsibility of each owner, operator or occupant to maintain the premises of such property and to remove from the premises all abandoned items as listed above, including, but not limited to, weeds, dead trees, trash and garbage, upon notice from the county.(c)Owners and occupants of property shall not permit weeds or grass within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any building or structure to grow on such property to a height exceeding twelve (12) inches.(d)Owners and tenants of property or structures abutting a street, sidewalk, lane or parking area on which the property or structure abuts shall maintain the property or structure clean and free of garbage and trash; however, county maintenance responsibility for public rights-of-way shall not be diminished by this section.(e)Where parking in open areas is used jointly for the benefit of two (2) or more owners or tenants, the responsibility for maintaining these parking areas free of garbage and trash shall be the joint and severable responsibility of the owners and tenants of these premises. (Ord. No. 33-03, Pt. I, 12-23-03)

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18-38(b) makes it unlawful to use a dwelling, structure, or its premises for open storage of inoperable vehicles, household appliances, glass, building material, or building trash. It further places an affirmative duty on the owner, operator, or occupant to clear the premises of abandoned items, including weeds, dead trees, trash, and garbage, once notified by the county. This applies only to unincorporated DeKalb; incorporated cities enforce their own property-maintenance codes.

Violations & Fines

Fine and/or imprisonment under § 1-10 upon citation and conviction; each day the debris remains after county notice is a separate offense (§ 18-67).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store a broken-down car on a vacant lot?
No, § 18-38(b) makes open storage of inoperable vehicles on the premises unlawful in unincorporated DeKalb County.
When must I clear debris from my lot?
After the county gives notice under § 18-38(b); failing to remove weeds, trash, or abandoned items afterward is a separate offense each day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

All DeKalb County rules

Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia property maintenance overview

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